Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 221, 4 December 1875, Page 14

Town News.

A (iazette extraordinary was issued on Wednesday, further proroguing Parliament to the 14th December.

We believe the now Presbyterian Church, Willis-street, will be opened on Sunday week. The next sittings of the Circuit Court in Wellington will commence on Wednesday, the 12th January, instead of on the second Monday iu January as previously arranged. The immigration barracks are almost empty nearly all the immigrants by the Herschel and Howrah having departed. There are not twenty in all remaining.

The last of the new electoral rolls rendered necessary by the amended Representation Act passed last session will be completed in about a week, and the writs for the general election will issue almost immediately thereupon. In the list of passengers by the s.s. Otago, which arrived on Monday, will be noted the names of Messrs. Martin and Seed, old residents of Wellington, returned from a trip to England.

Two men, Stent and Death, who have been convicted of highway robbery at Greytown, for which they were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment each, were brought into town on Wednesday by Constable Burns. At a meeting of the Works Committee of the City Council, it was decided to return Mr. Jameson his deposit on account of part of the market reserve, and to pay him the money he expended in solicitor’s expenses for examining title.

During the past month of November, there were 66 births in the City of Wellington, against 56 for the corresponding period of last year. The deaths were 10 against 11 during November, 1874. There were four still-births during the month just passed.

The following is a return of the patients admitted, discharged, &c., during the month of November, at the Provincial Hospital. Admitted—l 6 males, 5 females ; discharged—ls males, 3 females ; died—2 males ; remaining in hospital—36 males, 9 females. Total in hospital, 45. The ship Avalanche, Captain Williams (late of the Merope), arrived in harbor yesterday afternoon, beating up the harbor in gallant style. The p.s. Luna was sent out to tow her in, but finding she did not require the assistance of a tug returned to the wharf. The Avalanche left London on the sth September with 182 immigrants, and arrives in port “ all well.” She is consigned to Messrs. Levin and Co.

On Saturday there was a short sitting of the Yice Admiralty Court, when Mr. A. S. Allan, registrar, presented the report of himself and the arbitrators appointed to award the damages to the Jane Spiers. The sum awarded for damages and demurrage is £3lB 7s. 3d. The Court was then adjourned till 2 o’clock on Monday to allow the Young Dick to object to the award if dissatisfied.

A New Zealand (lazctte was published yesterday. It contains—Proclamation making and conforming bye-laws, rules, and regulations on the Timaru to Teinuka railway; order for laying out a public road in the province of Westland; reservation of land for railway purposes in Otago; appointments of W. H.Pinching as public vaccinator for Amuri, and John Maoeaffo for Winton and Lower Mataura ; acceptance of services of the Nelson Naval Volunteer Cadets; designation of the Waiinea Cavalry Volunteers changed to the Normanby Hussar Volunteers ; promotion of SergeantMajor Pardy to be Sub-Inspector in the Armed Constabulary; appointment of Bernard Doyle to be a member of the Medical Board under the Military Pensions Act; confirmation of sentence upon John Mitchell, first mate of ship Waikato, involving the suspension of his certificate for six months; notification of opening of a money order and savings bank office at Washdyke Land Transfer Act notices, &c„ &c

The New Zealand Wesleyan Conference meets in Wellington in January next. A Savings Bank and Money Order Office has been opened at Turakina, Wellington. Samuel Carroll, Esq., has been appointed Deputy-Auditor of Public Accounts of the Province of Wellington. Messrs. Jacob, Joseph and Co. have been appointed local agents of the Auckland Steam Packet Company.

A lunatic named Elizabeth Betsy Pegrim, from Castle Point, was brought to the police station on Sunday, and will be sent to the lunatic asylum. The recent heavy weather has had the effect of further delaying the completion of the extension of the Hutt railway. It will not be opened till about a week before Christmas. At the practice ou Thursday for the forthcoming performance of the “ Messiah ” by the Choral Society, over 140 vocalists and instrumentalists were present, which shows the interest taken in the matter by the performers.

Ihe sittings of the Appeal Court was brought to a close on Thursday, when several important judgments were delivered. Mr. Justice Gillies has not been present this week, having had to proceed to Nelson to hold a Circuit Court, but the judgments were agreed upon before his departure. Mr. Justice Johnston and Mr. Justice Williams leave for the South this morning.

A meeting of the preliminary committee to secure Messsrs. Pearce and Hunter’s election was held on Thursday, and was largely and influentially attended. It was agreed that the full list of the committee should be published on Monday, and those present pledged themselves to use every effort to advance the cause of the candidates they have elected to airport. 1

The horses engaged in the forthcoming races are now beginning to arrive. Mr. O’Brien’s Fishhook, Mr. Bedwood’s Guy Fawkes, Korari, and Cocksure, Mr. Delamain’s Pungawerewere, and Mr. Campbell’s Daniel O’Rorke and Tattler have arrived, and all of them seem to be more or less in excellent condition. We believe Tambourini anil other horses engaged at the Dunedin races are expected about the end of the week.

It is satisfactory to observe that a decided improvement lias taken place in the management of the Wellington Athenaeum since the new secretary took office. There is an air of cheerfulness about the several departments that is novel and refreshing, and all the superfluous literature has been assorted and arranged in classes ready for sale so soon as an opportunity to dispose of them at auction shall arrive.

A person named Edward Yaralay, of independent circumstances, has been missing since last week, and his friends have put themselves in communication with the police. It appears that Mr. Yaralay left Arthur-street on Thursday, and was last seen to cross the road by the barracks, and has not since been heard of It is feared that something serious may have befallen ]\lr. Yaralay, as he was of regular habits, and previous to leaving had not intimated that he would be going away for any length of time.

A recent arrival per ship St. Leonards was on Thursday sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment for stealing a number of articles from one by whom he had been employed on arrival at this port. He had been treated kindly by his employer, and wanted for nothing. His Worship, in consideration of these circumstances, took a serious view of the case, and imposed the heaviest punishment within his jurisdiction. We have frequently heard of marvels of small writing, but we have not to go far from home to see specimens of the art of caligraphy jpetite. On Thursday we were shown a piece of paper on which, within the space covered by a threepenny-piece, the Lord’s Prayer was «learly and legibly written, and this with plenty of space to spare. The writing is in circular lines, the outer ring being written first, and the others within it becoming gradually smaller. Mr. Snow, of the Government Printing Office, is the artist.

The report of the Registrar of the Admiralty Court, and the merchants appointed to assess the damages of the Jane Spiers, was on Monday confirmed. Taxation of cost will be immediately proceeded with, and when concluded that also must be brought before the Court. We understand Captain Beare has received a letter from the owners of the Jane Spiers, expressing the fullest confidence in him, and quite approving of the course he has taken in the matter.

The necessity for a reformatory for Wellington has on several occasions been referred to. In the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning a case was heard which gave additional proof of the want of some such institution. It was that of a young girl, under fourteen years of age, and of apparently respectable parentage, charged with having stolen a diamond ring from a jeweller’s shop. His Worship reserved his decision, in order that he might think what he should do with the child, for it was evident that to treat a child such as that before him as an ordinary criminal would be highly improper, and would have a bad rather than a good effect upon the after life of the child.

A ta'le of woe is told by a recent arrival by one of the immigrant ships. A young lady unmarried, but with marriage in her mind’s eye —was induced to come out to these shores by a letter from one in whom her simple maiden heart had reposed the confidence of a virgin love. She came and was prepared to embrace her Thomas, on the Queen’s Wharf, or at any other place, not being particular, and fully expected to realise the ..brilliant match which Thomas had led her to expect was in store for her. But, alas for human perfidy, of Thomas there is none, and to the anxious inquiries of this deluded female there comes no response. Surely such a rascal as this should bo blown to death by blue bottles.

A gentleman lost £l2B in notes in Taranakistreet on Monday. Unaware of his loss ho picked up a £lO note, and whilst looking for any others that might be lying about—having in the meantime discovered that he himself was a loser he was asked by some lads if he had lost anything. On answering in the affirmative he was referred to their mother, who held £SO which had been picked up by her sons, to whom he gave £ls. He also found £l2 more near the spot himself. (In Monday evening the soiree in connection with the Typographical Association was held on board the ship Border Chief, and was attended with the greatest success. There were a large number present, but the deck is so spacious that no inconvenience arose from overcrowding, and the night being deliciously cool dancing was really enjoyable. The Artillery Band, under the able leadership of Mr. Oemino, provided the music—a fact sufficient to prove that the music was good. On the whole, the soiree was a genuine treat.

The legal experience of Mr. Baucke cannot be of a pleasant nature. For six years he has been before the Courts about a claim of some £•300 he has against the Government, and by the decision of Mr. Justice Williams on Monday he is placed in exactly the same position in which he stood six years ago, so far as regards recovering the money goes, but as regards his own position he must be infinitely worse. The case may be said to be subjuclice, and, therefore, it would be quite out of place to say anything as to the merits of the claim, but this much is clear : that Mr. Baucke, by his unwillingness to trust a lawyer with his grievance, has long delayed a settlement of his case. Yesterday he again conducted his own case ; it came on in the form of an argument on demurrer—which necessarily is an argument on purely legal points and technicalities—and it was really painful to see how he floundered about in matters of which he had not the slightest knowledge. Mr. Justice Williams allowed every latitude, and was exceedingly considerate and patient towards Mr. Baucke, who evidently feels he is being treated very unjustly, but the learned Judge had no possible alternative from giving the decision he did.

( “ An Observer” writes to us relative to Sir George Grey’s late speech at Auckland. Our correspondent disputes the accuracy of Sir George s reference to the Free States of Greece as “ the most perfect Government in the world.” The crowded state of our columns prevents us publishing this letter. Suffice it that “ Observer” effectually disposes of the Greek delusion. He says :—Let me instance the republic and City of Athens, the most polished of the towns of Greece, and the most fertile in great men. That republic flourished only during 200 years. Now and then she found herself in the throes of anarchy or ground under the oppression of tyrants. She spent herself in wars against Sparta, her rival. Instead of permanent federation, the almost continual division of the various States of Greece rendered them powerless for a prolonged . resistance to foreign foes, and made them ripe for servitude. Nor were their great statesmen proof against bribes of Kings, their common enemies. Who will call Athens a model of free government '!■ I do not say in the territory of that republic, but in the city alone, out of a population of four hundred and thirty thousand, there were four hundred thousand completely slaves, saleable as merchandise and cattle ; and out of the remainder of thirty thousand, only twenty thousand had the full right of citizens. The others were half slaves. Does that state of things justify the expression of freest government as applied to Greece and to Athens in particular ? In fine we must look, not to Pagan, but to Christian Governments, as types of real free institutions.”

The most beautiful sight in Wellington is to be seen at Mr. Wilkinson’s tea gardens, on the beach road, leading to Te Aro Bay. So little seems to have been done for the town in the shape of adornment-—a most important consideration —that strangers visiting Wellington depart with a very poor idea of the city outside of its claims to be a commercial centre. The Te Aro gardens, however, though small in comparison with others, and for the size of the place, are notwithstanding almost matchless for beauty, and the general appearance of the beds, plants, and walks evince an amount of careful and efficient gardening much to the credit of Mr. Wilkinson. At the present time of the year most of the choicest plants are in bloom, while all the trees are in leaf, and nature appears at its best. These gardens possess many advantages peculiar to their position with respect to the elements, and the formation of the country. They are well sheltered, and obtain a full share of the sun’s warmth, while the . fact of their being (like the Auckland domain) situate on the incline, facilitates drainage,while it has enabled Mr. Wilkinson to provide water power for himself by the construction of a reservoir on the hill side, and from which he obtains a force of water more than sufficiently powerfully to answer his purpose. All these advantages have been made the most of by the proprietor of the ground, who, in addition to maintaining this beautiful retreat in a most perfect state of order, takes special pride in the development of rare plants, of which he has a choice and varied selection in hothouses. In various parts of the gardens there are pleasant little nooks for rest and shade—delightfully myste-rious-looking summer-houses, overhung with drowsy creepers that tremble in the scented air. The deputation appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, viz., Messrs. Levin, Hunter, Pearce, Bannatyne, and Venncll, waited upon the City Council on Monday afternoon, and a long _ conference was held with reference to providing additional wharf accommodation for Wellington and the wharf management generally. It was pointed out by the deputation that the. two T’s on the south side of the wharf might be lengthened for a sum of about £SOOO, and that this would afford additional accommodation for two wool ships ; and if a corresponding addition were made to the T on

the north side of the wharf, room would be provided for two colliers—this latter work being calculated to involve an additional expenditure of £2OOO. The deputation recommended that the City Corporation should take the management of the wharf into their own hands for a period of twelve months after the expiration of the present lease, which will take place in the month of Februai'y next. For their part, they offered to use any influence they might have with the General Government in inducing them to forego their claim to the £BOOO to be received. Some discussion took place as to the advisability of employing a hulk,, but the members of the deputation were unanimously opposed to that idea. It was pointed out that this was a question that did not merely affect the mercantile interest, but that it was a question of vital importance to the city of Wellington and to the whole province. The disbursements of each of the wool ships loading in Wellington amounted to from £ISOO to £2OOO, and if we could load ten ships instead of five it would be manifestly to the advantage of the province. As an illustration of this it was stated that during the present season there were no ships loading at Port Underwood; the wool was coming toWellingtonforthe purpose of being shipped direct to London, and that would be the case with other ports where facilities were offered for prompt loading and despatching of wool ships. The deputation thought it advisable that one or more small wharfs should be run out from the breastwork, and rendered available for landing cargo from coasting vessels ; they were also of opinion that the regulations for the management of the wharf should be more strictly enforced, and that goods should be removed from the breastwork as soon as landed. In reply to the deputation, the Mayor stated that the suggestions made would receive the best consideration of the City Council, and that they would in all probability ask the deputation to confer with them again on the subject. The deputation then withdrew. We draw attention to an advertisement which appears in our columns of to-day, of the wool warehouses of the Millwall Dock Company, of which Messrs. Cousens, Merry & Co., are the lessees. The superiority of these warehouses, and those of the East and West Indian Dock Company adjoining, over the older so called uptown warehouses, has been testified by many old colonists who have inspected them ; they are close to the quays at which the wool ships discharge their cargoes ; they are well lighted with an even light throughout, and fitted up with every contrivance suitable to the economical handling, of the wool and there is sufficient space for increasing the number of warehouses to any extent, so as to bring about a concentration of the wool exhibits, and thus ensure greater competion, and less irregularity in prices. It might be desirable also to have warehouses appropriated specially for the wools of each colony, a view strongly advocated by the Adelaide Committee in London. We have had forwarded to us a circular signed by about 130 of the home and foreign wool buyers, strongly recommending these warehouses as “ admirably adapted for the purpose of showing and storing wool,” and suggesting that “ provided the selling broker would show in these warehouses all the wool he has for sale, its inspoction by the buyers would be greatly facilitated.” Though the competition with these warehouses, the charges on wool have been considerably reduced, and we see that still further reductions are contemplated, provided sufficient support is given. It is for the growers and shippers of wool to say whether they will support these warehouses, or for want of encouragement allow a return to tlio old monopoly of inferior and ill-lighted warehouses, coupled with excessive charges. DINNER TO THE MAYOR. On Tuesday evening his Worship the Mayor, who is about retiring from office, was entertained at dinner by the members of the City Council. The event came off at the Panama Hotel, and about forty gentlemen sat down, amongst whom were J. Dransfield, Esq., in the chair, having on the right the guest of the evening, W. S. Moorhouse, Esq., and on his left the Premier of the Colony (the Hon. Dr. Pollen), Councillor Mills and Councillor George in the vice-chairs, Sir Donald McLean (Native Minister), the Hon. Major Atkinson (Colonial Treasurer), the Hon. Mr. Fitzlierbert, C.M.G. (Superintendent of Wellington), G. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R., E. Pearce, Esq., M.11.R., the City Councillors, the principal officers of the Corporation, and a number of gentlemen connected with the various professions, and the leading commercial men of the city. Dinner was placed on the table shortly after seven, and was served in a manner which did infinite credit to Mr. and Mrs. Light. Dinner over, toasting commenced, and “The Queen ” and “ His Excellency the Governor” having been duly honored, the Chairman again called on the company to charge their glasses, and then said : Gentlemen, The toast which I have now to ask you to drink, is one which I feel some diffidence in proposing, because I feel I am not quite up to the mark to do justice to it in such a manner as I could wish to see it done. In fact I hesitated before taking the position I am now in ; but I trust that if I don’t succeed in doing that which I ought to do, you will at least give me the credit of having the desire to do it. (Cheers.) The toast is, “ The guest of the evening—our Mayor”—(cheers)— the gentleman in whose honor we are met together. I think I speak the feelings of all the members of the City Council when I say we have felt it an honor to have presiding over us a gentleman who has held such high and honorable positions in the colony as his Worship the Mayor has held previous to having taken office. We feel that it has added no honor or dignity to him, but that he came forward in the hearty desire to assist us in the working of our municipal institutions. And there is the great difficulty we have to contend with in working out these institutions—to get the right man to come forward and work out these institutions—in order that they may do the good they are intended.

There is a very great difference between these municipal institutions hero and municipal institutions in the old country. There there is a regular beaten track, and all a mayor has to do is to keep within that beaten track—he holds a mere ornamental position ; but here there is plenty of hard useful work to be done. I may say that although Mr. Moorhouse has not been long in office, he has been in long enough to see many of the difficulties we have to contend with in working the Municipal Act, and I hope I shall not hurt the feelings of anyone present if I say that that Act is a very cumbrous and very difficult Act to work. 1 have had some experience in the working of it, but after all I am bound to confess that I really feel I do not understand it yet, although I have studied it many many years. Our mayor, when he first took office, saw the difficulty, and at once set about altering it, but I am sorry that, although he did his best to bring about a better state of things, he was unsuccessful. Yet, I trust his efforts may bear fruit in the future, and that although what was attempted could not be done this, session, still it may be done in the next session. The Bills were absolutely needed, not only for raising money, but for giving authority to do works where authority was absolutely necessary before the works could be done, and which was quite as much needed as the actual raising of the funds. However, our Mayor did his best, and I think we are doing but right in coming together to-night to honor a. gentleman who has takeu his share in the difficulty and responsibility of working our municipal institutions, and I hope we shall have his assistance at the Council board when he ceases to be Mayor. I trust he will not forget us, but endeavor to come and help us as a member of the City Council. (Cheers.) Mr. Mooiihouse, on rising, was heartily applauded. He said : Mr. Chairman and gentlemen,—lt is unnecessary to explain that I feel very much honored by the courteous and pleasant manner in which you have met here to-night. lam just going out of office, and I am very sorry indeed to say that I have not been able to accomplish ail that I expected. However, I feel satisfied in my own mind that the Corporation has lately done good work: we have worked together steadily and quietly and very hard. There has really been much earnestness in the public service of the city, and I have found that experience has proved the character of my associates to be of that quality of which I had been informed before I became so well acquainted with them. We have had no noise in our deliberations; we have been a remarkably happy family, and there has never been a single internal difficulty. Yet, although we have made no very great noise in the city, I am certain work of such a nature has been done during the past year as must be eventually of great public advantage. My friend, Mr. Dransfield, my predecessor of a short time back in office, has been excessively indulgent, as have been all the Councillors. I have had the very greatest possible assistance from them all, and here may state that my friend, Councillor Dransfield, had some idea of retiring from the office of Councillor some time ago, but upon my earnest entreaty he determined toj remain bv the ship, and the advantage of his remaining is certain to make itself felt. In reply to the kind {remarks made by Councillor Dransfield with respect to my taking a seat in the City Council I trust it may be so, and I shall take an opportunity of giving the public to understand that if they choose to use what poor services may be within my power to offer I shall only be too happy to go into the Council, and assist in such courses as ought to be followed for the benefit of the city. A little allusion has been made to some events which occurred in the General Assembly last session. Of course, gentlemen, we all view things from our own standpoint ; we consider what is good or the reverse through the lights we happen to possess ; and I should be one of the last in New Zealand to withhold from any body the credit due to it for acting upon its convictions; and perhaps the gentlemen forming one branch of the Legislature are a little disposed to disparage the efforts of Corporations generally. But discounting what has been done or what has not been done by one branch of the Legislature shows to me that that august branch did not deal with an interesting proposition in politics as it ought to have done. In point of fact, Bills winch were brought down in the Lower House of the Legislature, discussed, and passed, were treated, I might almost say, with insolent disdain by the superior branch of the Legislature. I had really forgotten the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand and a member of that House, but I confess now that, trusting to the extraordinary candour and generosity of that lion, gentleman, I am rather encouraged to proceed. I am yery proud that that gentleman was one of those who supported the proposition, and that the Government, of which he is the head, and the Council of the Corp6ration of Wellington, were in accord; and that the Ministry of the day were sufficiently enlightened to accept as a necessity the Bill which my friend Mr. Travers drafted at my request. I may say that Mr. Travers and I drafted the Bill, which was brought down and received the sanction of the Lower House, and was passed as being really an advantage, not only to Wellington, but to New Zealand. Yet, despite this, the Lords, who it may be supposed, contemplating a remote possibility of a visit of the tax-gatherer as a result of the legislation wished for by us, ignominiously threw out the Bill. Now, this is a very shocking thing to say ; but nevertheless it is true, and the only manner in which we can excuse them is that, as we are assured by high authority, “ All flesh is grass,” that, this may account for the touch of the sordid. I was rejoiced to see that the greatest and best in the land—and of course they are to be found in the upper branch of the Legislature—are most uncommonly careful when there is any possibility of their lands and their revenues being touched. They have very great interest in everything which does not affect their own pockets. This is a very shocking thing to say, and I should not say it

perhaps, if I were not sure they would never hear about it. Of course there are no reporters here, and not the slightest notice will be taken of what lam saying. We are here simply to exchange ideas and strengthen each other’s hands, by talking over tbe deficiencies of a certain distinguished branch of tbe Legislature. I think the fair way of raising the prestige of the city of Wellington, the premier city and capital of the colony, would be for the Council of Wellington to suggest some fair retaliation in the shape of an ‘attack on the status of the Council. I am going down to a village with which I have some acquaintance, with a view to getting the people to elect me their representative, and if they do, I will endeavor to bring the House of Lords to their senses. Some few years .ago I came to reside in Wellington, and possessed very little came merely to contemplate my own poverty, and the wideness of the world—l came to Wellington because I thought it the best place—because I thought the main chance might be best consulted here. It is the centre of the colony—it is really the emporium of the colony. I heard some time ago on an interesting occasion our Superintendent likened the position of Wellington to the owner of a corner shop. He was right. We have a good corner shop—a good stand, and a prominent place. All mercantile men admit this. I have heard men of good common sense and strong perceptive faculties from Otago, Christchurch, and Auckland, admit this, and say that our position operates to make Wellington the mercantile capital of the colony, so that we have a great future before us, and we are bound to exercise a great influence upon the social, moral, and political bias of the colony. We won’t go into particulars. There is an exceedingly interesting time coming, but the scratches and scrimages of to-day will be forgotten to-morrow. I have studied the character of most of the public men in New Zealand on one side and the other, and of all parties, and I think we have great reasons to be proud of our public men altogether. I have been associated with most of them ; we have fallen out to-day and we have associated again to-morrow, and I believe that the men now who are taking up different positions in politics, and that statesmen from every corner of the House will meet together in perfect accord. (Mr. Moorhouse then went on to make j ocular remarks about his health being proposed before that of the Ministry and the Superintendent, saying that he believed the Mayor of the city was the most august personage so long as he kept in the city, although once out of the city the others might top him.) He then proceeded : On being elected to the office of Mayor I began to read the Constitution Act, and found that the Mayor had no power except that derived from the express instructions of the Council, and although I thought at the time that was wrong and that the Mayor should be something more than an Executive officer, I have arrived at the conclusion that things are better as they are, because if matters devolved upon the Mayor personally as an Executive officer, and to take action upon statutes, it might be found that the duties would place too great a burden upon him. lam convinced that things are best as they are. The Council has a check upon the action of the Mayor, and while we keep to working by committees I think the system of municipal government is about as perfect as we can make it. I hope what I have done during my mayoralty will meet with the concurrence of the ratepayers ; and I thank you heartily, I cannot say how much, for the honor you have done me this evening.

The toast of “The Ministry ” was then proposed by Mr. Moorhouse. The Hon. Dr. Pollen thanked the company in warm terms for the manner in which they had received the toast, and x-eferring to remarks made by previous speakers as to the difficxxlties in the way of Municipal Governments, said he hoped one of the Acts of the fixture would be to increase their functions, and increase their means to form those functions. With regard to the Bill which had been thrown out in the Legislative Council, he said he thought if it were brought forward during another session it would be passed. Mr. Gillon briefly proposed the next toast, namely, “The Health of the Superintendent.” Mr. Fitzherbert, in returning thanks, said it was probably not right to minutely forecast the future, which, in fact, rather belonged to astrologists than to superintendents, but it might be supposed that the privilege of responding to the toast of the health of a superintendent in the colony of New Zealand had become, like the xnoa, nearly extinct. There would be a manifest indelicacy on his part in giving ready adhesion to any such popular but delusive hope. They would therefore, he was sure, pardon him if he belonged to a class of incredulous Thomases in respect to this matter. But, entirely divesting their minds of prejudice —to use a mild term—on any such subject, ho might frankly thank them for the manner in which the toast of his health had been proposed and received. It had been, lie might honestly say, a pride with him for the best part of his life, to do the best he could for New Zealand generally, and particularly for the province, with which he was now officially associated. That he might say with all truth ; but lie might as truly say that he had never ignored the colony in the interests of the town and province. They were, he might say, at a banquet to-night—one of those banquets which, aspiring as they did, to be a nation, could not be designated by any term Bhort of that of a Lord Mayor’s feast. (Laughter.) At such banquets it was their privilege to be gratified by the presence of Ministers of the Crown, and it was also their privilege to hear those expressions which, as it were, fell down from the lips of these men holding exalted positions, and, as it were, holding in their discreet hands—(laughter)—great secrets of State. (Prolonged laughter.) Expressions which they sometimes let drop, in that exceedingly clever manner for which Mr. Disraeli was distinguished no less than his predecessor in office, Mr. Gladstone.

(Continued laughter.) And if they should feel anything like the slightest disappointment at those expressions, it would he exceedingly improper for them to say so. They should attribute it to that exceeding discretion which might be supposed to be entirely characteristic of those gentlemen. And he felt sure that could Mr. Gladstone and his great compeer but see how Ministers at the Antipodes had the discretion to use such great occasions as the present, they would only x-egret that they themselves had not been born colonials. (Prolonged laughter.) He again thanked them for the manner in which the last toast had been drunk. Mr. Mills briefly proposed “The City Members of the House of Representatives.” Mr. Hunter responded. Mr. Travers proposed “The Health of the Members of the City Council,” which was drunk with honors, and responded to by Mr. George. The Mayor pi-oposed “The Officers of the Corporation,” which was responded to by Mr. Hester, Town Clerk, and Mr. Marchaut, City Surveyor. Mr. Pearce gave “ The Press ” in a flattering speech. Responded to by Mi - . Hutchison. His Honor the Superintendent proposed “ The Health of the Chairman,” to which Mr. Dransfield x - esponded, and thus the proceedings terminated. WELLINGTON AND MASTERTON RAILWAY.

CITY COUNCIL. The City Couucil met yesterday evening at 7 o’clock, to hear appeals against the assessments. All the Councillors were present. APPEALS. The May'or said they would take the objections in the order in which they came. The first appeal was that of Mr. C. J. Pharazyn, against excessive rating of his property in Tinakori-road. Councillor Dransfield said they should deal carefully with the objection of one of its own number, as the public would i - egard their decision as respects his appeal. Mr. Pharazyn objected that his architect had built a much more expensive house than was in accordance with the instructions given him. He, therefox - e, held that he should not be rated for an expensive house when he had originally desired a cheap one. The fact of his house being a valuable one was his misfortune, not his fault.

After some further discussion, the rate was confirmed.

The rating of Mr. Phax - azyn’s house in Hob-son-street, £125, was confirmed.

Edward Pearce appealed against assessment of business premises in Willis-street, £650.

Councillor Moss said the rate was excessive in comparison with that levied upon Messrs. Turnbull and Co.’s property, which was more valuable.—The Mayor said Turnbull’s frontage was less than half that of the other.— Councillor Dransfield said the rate was based upon value of property—not frontage.— Councillor Gillon said of his knowledge land which had no building on it was valued as per foot frontage. The assessment was reduced £IOO on the motion of Councillor Mills. Councillor Dransfield suggested these cases should be referred to Councillors of each ward, who would take the trouble themselves to report upon them. He put this in the form of a motion. Councillor Mills seconded the motion. In yeai-s gone by this course had been adopted and had given satisfaction. He was willing to do the work which would devolve upon him as a Councillor of one ward. Councillor Gillon objected to this course. They would get through them soon enough if they adhered to the same course as was practised in the Resident Magistrate’s Court. If they were referred to Councillors they would be decided in a hole and corner way. Councillor George supported Councillor Gillon’s view of the case. The Mayor said it had been deliberately determined to hear the appeals this evening, it had been published, and the public being in attendance through the action of the Council, his view was that they should adhere to their determination. The hearing of appeals was then proceeded with. On the appeal of a Mr. Gambell being read, Councillor Dransfield said the house was situated within his ward, but, inasmuch as lie had not inspected it, he could not offer an opinion without rendering himself liable to do the appellant an injustice. This was a case which showed the reason of the suggestion made by him at an earlier stage of the proceedings. Councillor Pharazyn supported this view of the case, and ho and Councillor Dransfield at once retired from the Chamber. Councillor Gillon remarked that both the gentlemen who had declined.to take part in the discussion of the appeals without seeing the property, occupied the positions of Justices of the Peace, and would in all probability be called upon to decide upon these cases in another court.

An objection by Waring Taylor and Co. was read. The rate on part of the property was reduced; the rest was deferred for further cousidei - ation.

The rate on Mr. Jenkins’ house, Ingestrestreet, was reduced fi - om £55 to £45. J. W. Reid, Eitzherbort-terrace, rated at £l4O, reduced to £l2O. B. Burrett, Charlotte-street, Thorndon, rated at £2OO, reduced to £ISO.

Robert Scott’s appeal with reference to different properties was recognised as being just, and a reduction granted. Jones, cottage on Mount Victoria, re* duced £5. W. H. Quick, of the Terrace, rated at £125, increased to £175. J. Burns, also of the Terrace, increased from £l5O to £175. J. McGowan, May-street, reduced £lO, the rate being made the same as last year, £45. J. Bevery, Willis-street, rated at £SO, reduced to £4O ; the assessment on two other houses was reduced in like manner. The Council adjourned at luilf-past ten o’clock, deciding to meet again on Monday evening, at seven o’clock. RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. Thursday, December 2. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.) THE IMPORTED ARTICLE. William Ward, a young man who worked his passage here as an assistant steward in the ship St. Leonards, was charged with having stolen certain articles (enumerated), the property of Thomas Boughton. Prisoner pleaded guilty.

The following statement of the case, made by Mr. Boughton, was heard :—On the 18tli of last month I engaged William Ward to do odd jobs at my house at Karori. He told me that lie had worked his passage in the ship St. Leonards. On Saturday next I came home about four o’clock. Ward was not in. I found that my bedroom had been forced in. I missed several articles. I missed an overcoat, a watch, two chains, an opera glass, two meerchaum pipes, a ring, a counterpane, and a blanket. I identify the articles now produced as my property. The articles I value at £lO. I did not see Ward again till last night. From information I received last night I went down the Karori-road, and I there saw Ward. He told me that he had been very miserable since he had robbed me.

Prisoner declined to offer any remarks in extenuation.

His Worship remarked that the case was of a very serious nature, and prisoner might have been sent to the Supreme Court. He would impose the extreme penalty, namely, twelve calendar months’ imprisonment, with hard labor.

Return of traffic for four weeks ending iSOtli November, 1S75 : — £ s. d. No. of passengers.. .. 7700 330 IS 7 Parcels, &c. .. 109 16 2 6 Season tickets freight .. 397 tons 5 17 \ 4 Timber Cattle .. 36,462 ft. 1 llOS 17 6 Sheep 14S J Total £461 15 11